8 December 2003 – As a stable and prosperous Iraq, at peace with its neighbours and the world, is an important cornerstone for a stable and safer Middle East, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople said, reiterating that it is in the national interest of the Philippines to help the Iraqi people rebuild their
nation.  The Secretary made this statement today after chairing a meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Humanitarian Assistance to Iraq under Executive Order 195.

“During the meeting of the Task Force today, we reaffirmed the policy basis of the presence of our humanitarian contingent in Iraq and made plans for their continued stay for another 6-month cycle,” Secretary Ople said.  “I have instructed the Working Group of the Task Force to work out the details of the continued deployment of our humanitarian team in Iraq beyond the first six months, which ends in February 2004, and to do so subject to available resources” he added.

During the meeting, General Pedro Ramboanga, Head of the Humanitarian Contingent briefed the Task Force on the situation in Iraq and the accomplishments of the humanitarian contingent.

“The Task Force was sufficiently impressed with the dedication and commitment shown by our contingent members.  They have made a difference in the lives of the people of Iraq.  They have carried our flag into the towns and villages of their sector and they have earned the trust of the Iraqi people.  In many instances, village leaders have gone to the multinational headquarters to specifically ask for our contingent members for assistance.  We are working closely with the 22 other members of the multinational force in our sector, which is in south-central Iraq,” Secretary Ople said.

The Secretary said that the Philippines is one with the other members of the Coalition who have said that the recent attacks against Coalition members will not deter them from remaining committed to the people of Iraq. “We will not allow terrorists to defeat us.  We will stay with the people of Iraq,” the Secretary said.

He added that the Philippine Contingent has done a great job in helping provide basic services to the people of Iraq and are working well with local communities. “Our contingent has built a lot of good will.  This is an important factor in their continued success and safety,” the Secretary said. He said that the Philippine National Police has been taking the lead in training the new Iraqi police force.  To date, the PNP has trained over 4,000 Iraqi policemen. “The new Iraqi police forece has been performing well under the circumstances and is slowly assuming its role as an important pillar of a democratic Iraqi society,” Secretary Ople said.

“Even though our Contingent has not experienced any difficulties, they remain vigilant and do not take any unnecessary risk. Their safety is our highest priority,” the Secretary reiterated.  “There are no specific threats against us.  The Iraqi people even welcome us into their homes.  I am confident in the professionalism and experience of our contingent members.  They know how to take care of themselves and take every precaution to ensure their safety,” Secretary Ople said. END.